Formidable-class frigate
The Formidable-class multi-role stealth frigates are multi-mission derivatives of the French Navy's La Fayette-class frigate in service with the Republic of Singapore Navy. The six ships form the First Flotilla of the Navy.
 RSS Steadfast in 2008 | |
| Class overview | |
|---|---|
| Name | Formidable class |
| Builders | Singapore |
| Operators |  Republic of Singapore Navy |
| Built | 2002–2009 |
| In commission | 2007–present |
| Completed | 6 |
| Active | 6 |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Frigate |
| Displacement | 3,200 tonnes (3,150 long tons; 3,530 short tons) |
| Length | 114.8 m (376 ft 8 in) |
| Beam | 16.3 m (53 ft 6 in) |
| Draught | 6.0 m (19 ft 8 in) |
| Installed power |
|
| Propulsion |
|
| Speed |
|
| Range | 4,200 nautical miles (7,780 km) |
| Complement | 71, excluding air crew detachment of approx. 19 |
| Sensors & processing systems |
|
| Electronic warfare & decoys |
|
| Armament |
|
| Aircraft carried | 1 × S-70B Seahawk multi-mission capable naval helicopter |
| Aviation facilities | Flight deck and enclosed hangar for up to two medium-lift helicopters |
| Notes | Sources:[4][5] |
The Formidable-class multi-role stealth frigates are multi-mission derivatives of the French Navy's La Fayette-class frigate in service with the Republic of Singapore Navy.[6] The six ships form the First Flotilla of the Navy.
Planning and acquisition
[edit]The search for a replacement for the aging Sea Wolf-class missile gunboats, which entered into service in 1972, started in the mid-1990s. The United States, Sweden and France participated in the bid for the contract.[7] In March 2000, the Singapore Ministry of Defence awarded the contract to DCNS for the design and construction of six frigates. A key feature of the contract was the technology transfer arrangement. Under the arrangement, DCNS was to design and build the first frigate in its Lorient yard in France while the remaining five frigates were to be built locally by Singapore Technologies (ST) Marine at its Benoi yard in Singapore. Subsequent maintenance and mid-life retrofit will be done by ST Marine.[citation needed]
Construction of Formidable began in late 2002, when the keel was laid down in Lorient in November 2002.[citation needed]
Design and construction
[edit]Radar cross section (RCS) reduction features have been incorporated into the Formidable class design, with inclined hull sides and bulwarks as well as concealment of ship boats and replenishment-at-sea equipment behind low-RCS curtains. The Formidable class have a significantly reduced profile than the La Fayette class and its other derivatives,[8] due to the smaller superstructure and the use of enclosed sensor mast technology.[9] The frigate is also constructed entirely of steel, unlike the La Fayette class which makes extensive use of weight-saving composite structures in its aft superstructure block.[10] The frigates also possess better sea keeping qualities and are able to stay at sea for longer periods of time.[5]
Sensors and systems
[edit]The frigates are equipped with the Thales Herakles passive electronically scanned array multi-function radar, which provides three-dimensional surveillance for up to 250 km (155.3 mi).[11] The radar provides all-round automatic search and tracking of both air and surface targets, and is integrated with the MBDA Aster air defence system.[12] Utilising the DCNS Sylver vertical launch system (VLS), each frigate is equipped with 32 cells.[13] It is reported that the frigates have a special surface-to-air missile configuration, combining the Thales Herakles radar with the Sylver A50 launcher and a mix of Aster 15 and 30 missiles.[14]
The Formidable-class frigates are key nodes within the Singapore Armed Forces' Integrated Knowledge-based Command and Control network, a concept similar to the United States Department of Defense's network-centric warfare doctrine. The locally developed Combat Management System integrates all the sensors and weapon systems on board, and a dual Fast Ethernet data transfer system forms the backbone of this system.[10]
Each frigate has a span of influence that stretches up to about 200 nmi (370 km), where it acts as the Navy's mobile operations centre out at sea and receives information from sister ships and aerial assets deployed within the range. The Combat Management System will then make sense of the different data, establish an accurate picture of the area of operations, and send the information back to shore and to its army and air force counterparts.[15] This increases battlespace awareness and allows little time for the enemy to react due to the short sensor-to-shooter loops.[16]
Armament
[edit]The frigates are equipped with 2 Sylver A43 8-cell modules vertical launching systems (VLS) which can launch the MBDA Aster 15 and 2 Sylver A50 8-cell modules VLS which can launch either the MBDA Aster 15/30. Both the Aster 15 and 30 share the same warhead, active RF seeker and terminal dart providing the Formidable-class frigates with an all-round anti-missile and anti-air capability to ensure self-defence and fleet protection against swarms of anti-ship missiles and multiple aircraft. The Aster 15 is a short-to-medium range surface-to-air missile with a range of about 30 km (16 nmi), providing the Formidable-class frigates with self and local area air defence while the Aster 30 is a short-to-long range surface-to-air missile with a range of about 120 km (64 nmi) providing area and extended area air defence.[17]
The frigates are equipped with Boeing Harpoon missiles and OTO Melara 76 mm guns for surface defence. The Harpoon missile has a range of 130 km (70 nmi) and uses active radar guidance. It is armed with a 227 kg (500 lb) warhead. There is space for as many as 24 Harpoon missiles at the center of ship making it the most well armed ship of its class.[18] The Harpoon missiles will be replaced with the Blue Spear SSM co-developed by IAI and ST Engineering as part of the Formidable-class ongoing mid-life upgrade (MLU) programme, giving the frigates additional beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) as well as sea and land attack capabilities.[19]
The 76 mm gun fires 6 kg (13 lb) shells to a maximum range of 30 km (33,000 yd) at a firing rate of up to 120 rounds per minute. As part of the mid-life upgrade programme, the Formidable-class frigates' 76 mm main gun will be replaced with the OTO Melara 76 mm gun with STRALES system[20] which uses Driven Ammunition Reduced Time of Flight (DART) projectiles that are guided by a radio beam that follows the target through a homing system to engage high-speed, maneuvering drones, missiles, and fast-moving, small, and agile vessels of ranges up to 5km.[21]
The frigates are also equipped with the EDO Corporation active low frequency towed sonar to enable long range submarine detection and classification, as well as EuroTorp A244/S Mod 3 lightweight torpedoes fired from two B515 triple-tube launchers hidden behind the bulwark.[citation needed]
The frigates are equipped with Sikorsky S-70B naval helicopters, an international derivative of the United States Navy Sikorsky SH-60B Seahawk. The Ministry of Defence signed a contract with Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation in January 2005 to acquire six of these helicopters, which will be organic to the frigates.[22] Each of these naval helicopters are equipped with a Telephonics AN/APS-143 Ocean Eye X-band maritime surveillance and tracking radar,[23] a L-3 Communications Helicopter Long Range Active Sonar (HELRAS) dipping sonar, EuroTorp A244/S Mod 3 torpedoes and a Raytheon AAS-44 electro-optic system to provide infrared detection and tracking.[24] The naval helicopters will be raised as a squadron in the Republic of Singapore Air Force and piloted by air force pilots, but the system operators will be from the Navy.
Mid-life upgrades
[edit]On 5 May 2023, the Ministry of Defence of Singapore announced plans to update the capabilities of the Formidable class frigates. [25] On 14 December 2023, ST Engineering received the contract for the upgrade which it expects to complete by 2028.[26] A related contract was announced by Naval Group on 2 May 2024 to support the upgrade as partners of ST Marine.[27]
Ships in class
[edit]
| Name | Pennant number |
Builder | Launched | Commissioned | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RSS Formidable | 68 | DCNS, | 7 January 2004 | 5 May 2007 | Active |
| RSS Intrepid | 69 | ST Engineering, | 3 July 2004 | 5 February 2008 | Active |
| RSS Steadfast | 70 | 28 January 2005 | 5 February 2008 | Active | |
| RSS Tenacious | 71 | 15 July 2005 | 5 February 2008 | Active | |
| RSS Stalwart | 72 | 9 December 2005 | 16 January 2009 | Active | |
| RSS Supreme | 73 | 9 May 2006 | 16 January 2009 | Active |
Operational history
[edit]The six frigates form the First Flotilla of the RSN.
RSS Formidable participated in Exercise Malabar 07-2 in September 2007, a Theater Security Cooperation engagement involving the navies of the United States, India, Australia, Japan and Singapore.[28][29] The exercise involved more than 20,000 personnel on 28 ships and 150 aircraft, including the USS Kitty Hawk Carrier Strike Group.[30]
RSS Intrepid conducted the navy's inaugural live firing of the French-made Aster 15 surface-to-air missile on 2 April 2008, off the French coast of Toulon.[31] The frigate successfully shot down an aerial drone simulating an enemy target with an Aster missile. It was reported that the frigate sailed halfway round the world to test fire the Aster missiles due to the crowded air and sealanes around Singapore and the lack of an instrumented firing range needed by defence engineers to track and measure the performance of the Aster missile.[32]
RSS Steadfast participated in the world's largest multilateral naval exercise RIMPAC for the first time from 27 June to 31 July 2008, which involved 20,000 personnel from 10 countries operating over 35 ships, six submarines and over 150 aircraft.[33] During this exercise, RSS Steadfast launched a Harpoon missile on a decommissioned USN warship on 14 July 2008 and also refueled at sea with a contingent of USN vessels.[34][35] Participation in this exercise also validated the RSN's ability to conduct sustained sea operations.[36]
On 16 November 2009, the Republic of Singapore Air Force established its Peace Triton Sikorsky S-70B Seahawk Naval Helicopter detachment at the USN Maritime Strike Weapons School in San Diego, California to undertake qualification and operational training under the umbrella of the USN's SH-60F Aircraft Qualification Course. RSS Stalwart was deployed to southern California to support ship/air integration activities.[37] On 25 March 2010, the Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean announced that the Seahawk integration programme had successfully concluded with a "high-tempo, week-long exercise" involving assets from both the RSN and USN, including five surface ships, a submarine, maritime patrol aircraft and F/A-18 Hornet combat jets.[38]
In September 2012 the RSN deployed RSS Intrepid and an S-70B naval helicopter in support of Combined Task Force 151 (CTF 151), a multinational effort to fight piracy in the shipping lanes off Somalia. This was the first operational deployment of a Formidable-class frigate and naval helicopter for counter-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden.[39] This was followed by a second deployment in March 2014 of a task group comprising RSS Tenacious and another S-70B, the fifth such mission undertaken by the SAF.[40]
On 9 March 2014, RSS Steadfast was deployed along with other air and sea assets to assist with the search and rescue operations of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370.[41]
In December 2014, RSS Supreme was deployed in the search for Airasia Flight QZ8501 after it crashed into the Java Sea on 28 December 2014; along with RSS Valour, RSS Persistence, RSS Kallang, MV Swift Rescue, and two Lockheed C-130H Hercules.[42]
On 26 July 2021, RSS Intrepid conducted a passage exercise with HMS Queen Elizabeth, the flagship of United Kingdom Carrier Strike Group 21 and her escort ships, together with RSS Unity and RSS Resolution, marking the first time the RSN has conducted an exercise with a UK Carrier Strike Group.[43]
On 2 March 2022, MINDEF announced plans to upgrade the Formidable class frigate as part of its plans for a modernized, next generation SAF 2040. This entails comprehensive upgrades to all of its subsystems, including armament, combat systems and communications equipment.[44]
From 1 to 7 November 2022, RSS Formidable participated in the Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force's 70th anniversary International Fleet Review in Yokosuka, Japan alongside 38 other ships from 13 countries. During the visit, the crew participated in a city parade marching alongside other navies as well as participating in the review sail-past by Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio. RSS Formidable was also included in a multilateral search and rescue exercise conducted by the JMSDF.[45]
See also
[edit]Equivalent frigates of the same era
References
[edit]- ^ "Isotta Fraschini Motori S.p.A. engines specs". Diesel-Specs. Archived from the original on 10 July 2011. Retrieved 22 April 2010.
- ^ "MTU Series 8000". MTU-online. Archived from the original on 29 September 2011. Retrieved 23 November 2010.
- ^ Wertheim, Eric (2013). The Naval Institute Guide to Combat Fleets of the World (16th ed.). Annapolis, Maryland: Naval Institute Press. p. 657. Archived from the original on 17 August 2017. Retrieved 19 July 2017.
- ^ "Republic of Singapore Navy - Naval Assets". Ministry of Defence (Singapore) (MINDEF). 15 March 2010. Archived from the original on 6 July 2008. Retrieved 22 April 2010.
- ^ a b "Capabilities of the Frigate". Ministry of Defence (Singapore). Archived from the original on 26 June 2007. Retrieved 23 April 2010.
- ^ "Formidable Frigate". DCNS. Archived from the original on 13 May 2007. Retrieved 28 May 2007.
- ^ Joo Lin, Tay (26 May 2007). "Formidable Voyage to Deliver First Stealth Frigate". The Straits Times.
- ^ "DCNS - European Leader in Naval Defence" (PDF). DCNS. Archived from the original (PDF) on 27 September 2007. Retrieved 22 November 2010.
- ^ "Surface Forces". Strategy Page. Archived from the original on 18 August 2007. Retrieved 29 May 2007.
- ^ a b Scott, Richard (April 2006). "Singapore Moves to Realise Its Formidable Ambitions". Jane's Navy International. 111 (4): 42–49.
- ^ "Thales HERAKLES" (PDF). Thales. Archived from the original (PDF) on 30 September 2007. Retrieved 22 November 2010.
- ^ "Combat Systems of the Frigate". MINDEF. Archived from the original on 11 May 2007. Retrieved 22 November 2010.
- ^ "Formidable Class Multi-Mission Frigates, Singapore". Naval Technology. Archived from the original on 15 May 2007. Retrieved 22 November 2010.
- ^ "Target acquisition - MAST highlights missile-defense concepts". Defence Technology International. Archived from the original on 7 February 2008. Retrieved 22 November 2010.
- ^ "Frigates to Function as Ops Centre in Integrated Warfighting". MINDEF. Archived from the original on 8 June 2007. Retrieved 29 May 2007.
- ^ Wan, Gail (May 2007). "Heralding the New-Age Navy". Pioneer. Archived from the original on 27 June 2007. Retrieved 31 May 2007.
- ^ "ASTER Family | MBDA". www.mbda-systems.com. Retrieved 30 January 2026.
- ^ Boey, David (19 May 2013). "Republic of Singapore Navy Formidable-class stealth frigates display upgraded capabilities at Navy Open House 2013". Senang Diri.
- ^ "IMDEX 2023: Singapore to deploy Blue Spear missile on Formidable class". Janes. Janes. Retrieved 6 May 2023.
- ^ "Singapore navy exploring how to adapt cheaper, off-the-shelf drones to counter emerging threats". CNA. Retrieved 30 January 2026.
- ^ "The Strales 76mm system with DART guided ammunition". www.leonardo.com. Retrieved 30 January 2026.
- ^ "Republic of Singapore Navy Acquires Six New Naval Helicopters". Sikorsky Corporation. Retrieved 22 November 2010.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link) - ^ "Designation-Systems.net: AN/APR to AN/APS - Equipment Listing". Archived from the original on 12 June 2010. Retrieved 3 May 2010.
- ^ Moss, Trefor (March 2010). "Helicopters return to Singapore following integration training". Jane's Navy International.
- ^ "Fact Sheet: Mid-life Upgrades to Formidable-class Frigates". Retrieved 29 June 2024.
- ^ "Fact ST Engineering Awarded Contract for Mid-Life Upgrade of Formidable-class Frigates". Retrieved 29 June 2024.
- ^ "Naval Group signed a contract with ST Engineering Marine Ltd for the upgrade of the Formidable class frigates". Retrieved 29 June 2024.
- ^ "Kitty Hawk, Allies Complete Malabar Exercise". United States Navy. September 2007. Archived from the original on 21 October 2008. Retrieved 12 April 2008.
- ^ "Statement by Admiral Gary Roughead Chief of Naval Operations Before The House Armed Services Committee on the Cooperative Strategy For 21st Century Seapower" (PDF). United States Navy. December 2007. Archived from the original (PDF) on 3 October 2008. Retrieved 12 April 2008.
- ^ "Exercise Malabar 07-2 Kicks Off". United States Navy. September 2007. Archived from the original on 12 January 2008. Retrieved 12 April 2008.
- ^ "Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean Witnesses Inaugural Aster Missile Live Firing". MINDEF. April 2008. Archived from the original on 3 July 2017. Retrieved 3 April 2008.
- ^ Boey, David (3 April 2008). "S'pore Navy's first surface-to-air missile firing a success". The Straits Times.
- ^ "RIMPAC Touted as Largest Maritime Exercise in the World". United States Navy. July 2008. Archived from the original on 5 February 2009. Retrieved 6 August 2008.
- ^ "Republic of Singapore Navy Participates in RIMPAC For First Time". Aviation Weekly - Ares. July 2008. Archived from the original on 7 March 2012. Retrieved 6 August 2008.
- ^ "Singapore warship makes mark in 10-nation drill". Ministry of Foreign Affairs Singapore. July 2008. Archived from the original on 5 February 2009. Retrieved 6 August 2008.
- ^ "Singapore's Steadfast successfully fires Harpoon missile". Jane's Defence Weekly. July 2008.
- ^ Scott, Richard (November 2009). "Singapore establishes 'Peace Triton' helicopter training unit in US". Jane's Navy International.
- ^ Moss, Trefor (March 2010). "Singapore's Seahawk integration programme concludes successfully". Jane's Navy International.
- ^ Hong, Nathaniel (16 December 2012). "RSS Intrepid returns home". The New Paper. Archived from the original on 28 March 2014. Retrieved 27 March 2014.
- ^ "SAF Deploys Fifth Task Group to the Gulf of Aden". Ministry of Defence (Singapore) (Press release). 17 March 2014. Archived from the original on 28 March 2014. Retrieved 27 March 2014.
- ^ "SAF deploys more assets to help search for missing plane". Today. 10 March 2014. Archived from the original on 13 March 2014. Retrieved 10 March 2014.
- ^ "Singapore sends 5th navy ship for AirAsia QZ8501 search". CNA. 31 December 2014. Archived from the original on 6 January 2015.
- ^ Lim, Min Zhang (27 July 2021). "British carrier strike group conducts passage exercise with Singapore navy". The Straits Times. Retrieved 31 July 2021.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link) - ^ Lim, Min Zhang (2 March 2022). "Budget debate: Singapore navy's frigates to be upgraded with better combat system". The Straits Times. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link) - ^ Singapore, MINDEF (7 November 2022). "Singapore Navy Participates in International Fleet Review in Japan". Ministry of Defence, Singapore. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
Further reading
[edit]- "Punching above its weight – up close with the Singaporean Navy". Navy Lookout. 5 May 2025. Retrieved 6 May 2025.
External links
[edit]
- Official frigate website, MINDEF
- MINDEF - Republic of Singapore Navy - Naval Assets Archived 6 July 2008 at the Wayback Machine
- Formidable Class frigate - Republic of Singapore Navy on navyrecognition.com
- Video links
 French Navy | |
|---|---|
 Republic of China NavyKang Ding class | |
 Royal Saudi NavyAl Riyadh class | |
| Republic of Singapore Navy Formidable class | |
| |